John Caupert grew up on a grain and livestock farm in Southern Illinois. After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness Economics and his Master’s Degree in Agribusiness Policy, John embarked on his career in both for profit and nonprofit agribusiness.  John has more than three decades of experience in the agriculture and biorenewables industries. Under John’s leadership as Executive Director of the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center, he directed the commercialization of more than 80 technologies into the commercial marketplace. In December 2023, John was named Executive Director of the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS), where he provides leadership and direction, while guiding the international activities and events of the member driven GEAPS organization and the GEAPS Media Group. 

Dr. Dirk Mair is a professor in the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department and Animal Science Department at Iowas State University and is also the Director of the ISU Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex and International Grain and Feed Industry Academy. Dr. Maier established the ISU Feed Technology Program and serves as the director of the ISU Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex. In this role, he leads programs in teaching, research, service, extension, and industry and international outreach in support of the global grain, feed, and animal industries. Dr. Maier also serves as the Faculty Advisor for Engineers Without Borders ISU Student Chapter. Previously he was professor and head of Kansas State University’s Department of Grain Science and Industry and also served as the director of Kansas State’s International Grains Program Institute and the senior post-harvest engineer. Prior to joining Kansas State University, he was professor, associate head and extension agricultural engineer at Purdue University. 

Jordan Harding serves as the occupational safety specialist, in a partnership between Iowa State University’s Environmental Health and Safety and the Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex. In this role, he works with faculty, staff, and students to create, implement, and monitor safety policies for the complex that are mindful of the multiple activities taking place (i.e. education, research, and service to vendors and the community).